Darksiders 2: In life and in death

II

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"Be still, Horseman. You are wounded." Says an old yet powerful voice. As Death was beginning to wake up, the stranger's long fingernail attempted to touch the green glass shards that were permanently attached to the Horseman's chest. However, as the stranger made contact with the shards, a green-like smoke puffed out and Death quickly got back up on his feet.

"Don't touch me!" He said as the green flare surrounded Death's chest and the stranger's fingernail, while also not being happy with the thought of his personal space being invaded.

"Your arrival here is a bad omen. Yes... It troubles me greatly."

"Old one–there's more trouble ahead if you don't start making sense. Where is the Tree of Life?"

"Life?" The stranger or rather, Old one as the Horseman calls him, laughs slightly at that word. "This world is dying, lad. Choking on chaps and Corruption. We can do little to stop it. Soon the great tree too shall perish and, with it, the last of my people. And our guest... Is that not what brought you here, pale rider?"

"I seek the tree. Your “chaos and corruption” don't concern me."

Just as Death finished saying that the Old One's problems weren't his concerns, a black-like substance appeared from the ground and slowly, a stone-like figure was made. Weapon at hand and quickly approach Death. The Horseman ready his scythes and attacked the stone figure before it made a move first.

"It seems they do concern you." The Old one laughs at the sight and the irony that comes from Death's words.

While this enemy was made from stone, it was still no match for the Horseman. No matter how many came, Death still emerged triumph by the end of the fight.

"You fight well. But this Corruption can't be beaten with a blade. Seek out the Forge Sister. Ask her about the Fire of the Mountain. Help her, and she will help you reach the tree. As for me, I must return to my work."

"And who are you to command a rider?" Death asked while feeling curious about the Old one but also offended by him telling a Horseman what to do.

"I am a maker. Older than even the Charred Council. These hands have laid the foundations for my many worlds. But that was long ago. And now, they but hardly know the touch of stone."

"Earlier you said that a guest would perish with your people, what do you mean by that?"

"It meant exactly as it sounds, we have a guest. Different from us, but they will take an interest in your mission, and most likely help you. If you wish to know more, then you have to find out for yourself."

"Are you not curious as to why I seek the Tree?"

"I would not presume to question one of the Four...but yes, tell me."

"I must restore Humanity – to redeem War."

"Heaven and Hell battle upon the shattered Earth. All creation trembles...and at the centre of it all stands your brother."

"He is innocent." Says Death while defending his brother.

"I never said he wasn't. The Tree holds power over life and death. If you would resurrect Humanity, then you are headed in the right direction. But be warned – a dark presence dwells now within the Tree and the path is barred by Corruption."

As the conversation between the two has come to an end, Death makes his way into what appears to be a makeshift tunnel in a wall. He walked farther in and into a giant hollowed-out tree. And on the other side, Death had reached the Tri-Stone, the current home of the makers. Or what's left of them. The Horseman walks across the beaten stone path, however, he isn't prepared for his own ember eyes.

"What?! Your..!" Standing before Death was, a human? No, it is more rather what was a woman, now is a ghost. With a body that's slightly faded away. While wearing a white dress and braided hair. The ghost is surprised by Death's sudden appearance but quickly calms down when she sees his masked face.

"It's you..." She said with a shocked yet somewhat happy expression.

"You know who I am." He said while quickly regaining his composer.

"O-oh well, that part is difficult to explain, but I do know you...somewhat. But all that can wait! You must have more important matters to attend to, right?"

"I've been told to seek out the Forge Sister. Do you know her?"

"You mean Alya? Yes, I do. She and her brother are currently working away in the makeshift forge. Just take the stairs on your left. Once you finish with that, I promise to explain everything as best as I can. I imagine that you have a lot of questions."

"I do, but would I be able to find you once I'm done?"

"Oh don't worry, you will! I'm not going to disappear from you. I'll be waiting beside the gate. Till then, I hope that you'll have a decent conversation with Alya. Farewell for now, Horseman." The ghost woman says while floating away past Death. The Horseman's eyes never left her, even though the small conversation came to an end. However, he reminds himself that he has a job to do. And it's just like she said; any questions he has will answered later.

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(Well that's another part done, and a bit longer to make up for the last one. Hopefully😅
And a new character! I won't be able to include any pictures because, it's actually very difficult to find a decent ghost woman, unlike the angel from the last one. So you all are kind of stuck with my bad character imagination😅😥)